Jockeys Injured In Race Fall Now In Stable Condition

The Jockey Club said on Monday that three jockeys who were hospitalised after a major fall at the Hong Kong International Races on Sunday were in a stable condition and would take some time off to recover.

Four horses were caught in the pile-up during the Hong Kong Sprint.

Bill Nader, the club's director of racing business and operations, said it's too early to say what caused the fall, but he said vets would look into what happened.

Riders Lyle Hewitson and Zac Purton were in intensive care overnight, while Japanese competitor Yuichi Fukunaga was also in hospital.

“I’m happy to report that while they will miss a bit of time recovering, at this moment we’re assured that there were no real serious injuries,” Nader said, adding that it could take up to a few weeks until the trio fully recover and will be back “soon enough”.

Two horses, Amazing Star and Naboo Attack, had to be euthanised.

Nader said that in the final 400 metres of the race, Amazing Star fell and injured his left-front leg, and the horses and jockeys behind him "just didn't have enough time to react".

Speaking to RTHK’s Morning Brew programme, Nader confirmed that Purton's horse Lucky Patch escaped with minor cuts and will be back “in no time at all”, while Fukunaga’s horse Pixie Knight will be well enough to return to Japan on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Bureau confirmed that Sunday's race was held under strict Covid control measures.

Fukanaga is one of a number of overseas jockeys allowed to compete as part of a "racing bubble" arrangement.

Under the arrangements, overseas jockeys, trainers, and professionals responsible for the training and care of any overseas horses taking part in the race need to operate in a closed-loop management system.

The Hospital Authority said Fukunaga is undergoing treatment in isolation, and that in accordance with Covid measures, he was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital in a designated ambulance, and personnel responsible for his care have to comply with Covid protection measures.